One constant requirement of a leader is to continually inspire the people around you. While it initially may seem like a daunting task, it's actually quite simple.
The word "inspire" literally means "to breathe life into." To be a great leader, all you have to do is make sure your words and actions are giving life to the people around you and not taking it away.
Here are some forms of expression that always inspire and never get old.
• Compliments: Acknowledging uniqueness about someone is like shining a spotlight on their personality. When you notice things that are special about them, you lift their spirit and enhance their confidence. Ask yourself, "What does this person do better than most?" and share it with them.
• Gratitude: Appreciating a task someone has completed — or even just their presence — is like shining a spotlight on their character. Expressing thanks is crucial because so many tasks that support our success are rarely completed right in front of us. Ask yourself, "What are all the pains and inconveniences this person is likely experiencing when I'm not around?" and then try to thank them for overcoming those challenges.
• Vision: Articulating a positive picture about what is to come for someone is like shining a spotlight on their future. By telling them just how good things could be, you give them something to look forward to and to work toward. Most of all, you give them hope. Ask yourself, "What could this person's best future look like?" and then dream about it out loud with them.
You might think the importance of inspiration would be obvious and that providing it would be more common, but that's rarely the case. Few people consciously think of how to develop the skill of inspiration. As a result, we have many people "who are in charge," but they aren't leading anyone.
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Think about it, who are the people who inspire you the most? Are they always the ones with the best resume, the most experience or the sharpest knowledge? Is it their title that gets you excited about doing work every day?
My guess is probably not. The people who inspire you are probably the people who truly believe in you. They are the people whom you seek compliments from. They are the people who recognize the contributions you make. And they are probably the people who help you shape your future.
Lifting up and celebrating people is the thing that helps others become successful. Leadership, then, is not a title or a position — it's simply the continual act of inspiration.
Rory Vaden is co-founder of Southwestern Consulting, a self-discipline strategist and speaker, and New York Times-bestselling author of "Take the Stairs." Listen to his weekly podcast and get free daily insights at http://www.roryvadenblog.com.